STATE NEWS — Feeling antsy and wanna get out there and fish, Hunt, and boat? Go ahead, state wildlife officials say.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), boating, fishing, and hunting are “essential” outdoor activities in alignment with Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order 23 … as long a social distancing rules are observed.

“Governor Lee’s Executive Orders 22 and 23 identify outdoor activity as an essential activity provided that individuals follow health guidelines. As the Chairman of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, I want to assure all hunters and fishers that Tennessee’s turkey hunting season will open Saturday as scheduled and public lands controlled by the TWRA will remain open. Likewise, Tennessee’s lakes and rivers and the access areas controlled by the TWRA will remain open to anglers and recreational boaters,” Chairman Kurt Holbert stated.

Readers should note that a “prank” story from a fictional Channel 22 News circulated on social media on Thursday stating that the “TWRA would be issuing $500 fines and possible jail time for anyone caught fishing ot using a recreational watercraft.” The headline on the false story was, “TWRA closes waterways to all recreational boating.”

The TWRA offices are closed to the public but continue to be available by email, [email protected]. Several TWRA ranges are also closed, so you should call before you go. Hatcheries are also closed to the public and WNA Check Stations are closed. Report your harvest on the TWRA On the Go app.•

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}